Greedy search

Suppose you give up your ambition for money and take on an ambition for God. That means earlier you desired a piece of creation, now you start desiring the Creator himself?

Has your ambition come down? No', it's grown to an extrordinary greed! The point always is this: as a human being , wherever you are, you want to be a little more than what you are. When that happens; then a little more... so, fundamentally what you re seeking is expansion, whatever your currency may be.

For one person it may be money, for another person it might be knowledge, or love, or pleasure or whatever. Everyone is constantly seeking expansion through the currency that he knows best. So if expansion is what you are seeking, how much expansion do you think you will settle for? Generally it will be boundless expansion. That means you are seeking the infinite through the physical.

Can the physical ever become infinite? No, the physical is finite, Within a finite boundary, it can never be infinite, It is like you are riding a bullock cart but your destination is the moon and sombody says, "Buy yourself a new whip!" If your destination is moon , you need an appropriate wehicle, Isn't it? So, through the physical if you are seeking the infinite, there will only be frustration.

If there is unfulfilled desire, you will be unhappy , and the very nature of desire you have, is such that you will always have one desire unfulfilled: " I want to give up desire" is also a desire, isn't it? So you are in a no-win situation.

I am saying is that the mindset is not just about the outside, but also the business of life. Life is inter-dependence; it is constant collaboration withe everything around you. So if you collaborate willingly, you will go through the process of life joyfully, If you collaborate unwillingly, you think life is being taken away from you. I don't intend to change the content of anybody's life; we just want to change the context of their life.

Do You Think in Black And-Or White?

The majority of people see things either black or white. They find it difficult to see the grey, let alone live it.

Grey is the synergy, the melding of one and the other, rather than one vs. the other.

Look at the wars of the past and the present. Due to black vs. white, both in colour and thoughts they can't seem to find the grey. It's us vs. them, our religion vs. your religion, our country vs. your country, our dollar vs. your dollar, our product or company vs. your product or company etc. They haven't, nor do they care to stop and take a look at the grey. The grey is recognizing there is a need for expansion and growth, in thinking and actions, individually and collectively.

One must begin to look within to see that the battle of black vs. white starts there.

When you open yourself up to the grey within, you begin to see that the black and white are just different perspectives and different beliefs. One is neither better or worse until we give it meaning, or our own beliefs, or power to it.

So how do we tap into this open space of grey?

First is recognizing that it is there. When you find you are experiencing a feeling of your way being right and another wrong, or your way is better, or you know better etc., here begins the separation.

Second is questioning your thinking as to why it has to be your way. Can you absolutely know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you are right? Is it possible to admit that there might be another answer, another perspective, or another way? In other words, can you agree to disagree?

Third is to release the attachment to your black and white thinking. Let it go. Seek the grey as often as possible in your own situations and the worlds. When we question our thinking we soon discover that it is our beliefs and fears that keep us stuck in our black and white thinking.

Fourth is how do you even know black is black and white is white except that it's what we learned. What if someone initially labelled black as grey, then you would know it to be grey, not black.

Fifth is remember, if you add white to black you get grey. Whenever possible, add the black and white together. You never know what possibilities are out there.

The next time you find yourself thinking in black and white, or black or white, or black vs. white, there is another colour waiting for you to discover, grey.

People often think of grey as dull or gloomy. Somewhere along the way you experienced or believed that was the case, and so it is.

Choose to see grey as opening to possibilities and potential. Watch what happens. See what is created on the canvas and it won't just be black or white. You might be surprised as rainbows appear.

Don't limit your thinking to black and white. There is a whole spectrum of colour waiting for you to discover.

Don't Doggy Paddle Through Life!

We spend more time and money doggy paddling through life than actually learning how to swim different strokes that take us from where we are to where we want to be.

There is the butterfly stroke (the most challenging), the breast stroke, the side stroke, the back stroke, the front crawl and free style swimming.

We limit ourselves to bathtubs, pools and ponds when there are oceans out there waiting for us.

It doesn't matter how young or old you are, you can learn how to swim. Once you discover different strokes, rarely do you go back to doggy paddling; it doesn't feel natural and it limits your breath, speed and distance.

So why do we doggy paddle in our personal, professional and spiritual lives?

It becomes comfortable, or we haven't learned a different way, or we have forgotten that there are other strokes that enhance our overall quality and well being in life.

Fearful thoughts and old mindsets (beliefs and patterns) keep us from exploring different strokes and oceans. They keep us paddling around the problem rather than swimming through it and onto other horizons.

When you connect to essence, consciousness, Infinite Intelligence, The Source, The Universe, God, you gain wonderful and creative insights (strokes). These insights are always available in all situations if you become still and trust the wisdom.

Being still and listening to these strokes of genius or brilliance can be difficult, like the butterfly stroke, let alone the trusting them.

Once you become comfortable with these strokes you won't be doggy paddling anymore.

You will be swimming in the great oceans of consciousness and loving the freedom of choice.

How do we connect to this fountain of knowledge and gain those strokes of insight?

It's simple really; all you have to do is become still and open to receiving. Whatever situation(s) or person(s) you feel is creating the perceived challenge or stress, you will become still and open to receiving an insight (stroke) as to how to handle the problem.

Once you begin to trust receiving, you are well on your way to believing and achieving different strokes of possibilities.

In no time at all, you will be out of the ponds and into the oceans.

Does that mean you won't ever doggy paddle again or be in a pond? No, but it does mean you are quicker to recognize this and will remember to dive in and swim freely with some new strokes.

So what do you say? Are you willing to learn some new strokes or are you going to continue to paddle through life?

How Do You Put the Wind Back in Your Sail?

So how does one put the wind back in their sail? It's simple really, and here's the great news. You are the sail and the wind behind it. Yes, you.

Most people set off on their course in life with their sail boat chartered for great destinations. Somewhere along the way the wind seems to die down and they are left struggling to get their sails catching the breeze again.

Often they sail off course or, get stuck in one direction or, tire and give up as they drift out to sea aimlessly and become lost. Perhaps they reach their destination and then don't know where to set sail next.

Putting the wind back in your sail or setting a new course can be hard work, but before long you are sailing again. What once was tough seafaring seems to be gone with the wind.

The problem isn't with our sail, (our dream) it's with the wind (our determination).

It's like we leave our sailboat and jump aboard someone else's in hopes of finding an easier route where we don't have to do all the work, or struggle as much, or set sail again.

Once this happens we find ourselves feeling like the wind has gone from our sail and we wonder where it went. Well..... it went with the other sailboats or we docked and didn't set sail again. No wonder it feels like you're navigating off course; what did you expect?

There are bound to be obstacles on your course - storms, high seas, low tides, rocks, reefs etc. When sailboats have to turn around and go another course or back to port, they are right back out there sailing the deep blue again, whether it be the same route or a different one.

If you have found yourself off course or heading back, don't give up. Set sail again; it's worth the navigation. Why? It's your journey. Your dreams are worth more than the obstacles you might encounter. You can sail right through to your destination and many others as well.

You want to find the smallest breeze and at least get moving.

Ask yourself:

* What is it that keeps me docked?
* What keeps me turning back?
* What has taken the wind out of my sail?
* What do I need to get back on course?

Your boat might have aged; it might need a little fixing. Perhaps it's time to buy a new boat, set a new course or sail the seas with a crew. No matter what has taken the wind out of your sails, it's up to you to put it back and get sailing again.

The destination may be great, but the journey is even better! Remember , when you Shine, the world shines brighter because of you!

Are You Weighed Down With Emotional Baggage?

Where does all the unwanted baggage come from?

It accumulates from old mindsets and beliefs towards experiences in life. If not dealt with, they can turn into resentment, hurt, non-forgiveness, bitterness, disappointment and anger etc. This way of thinking can create patterns and blocks that keep one stuck, and from being all they can be.

The experiences may have seemed unpleasant, in fact, some downright awful. How we take them in and interpret them can become gifts or gear.

Think of it like this; you're at the airport, your luggage gets x-rayed to make sure it's safe to board the plane and if the security people aren't sure, or something seems suspicious, they have to examine it to make sure it's harmless.

The problem is most of our emotional baggage gets loaded instead of explored first.

Just think, if you would have sent a few of your emotional bags back for observation you wouldn't have a heavy load to carry.

Carrying this unwanted baggage around can make a person tired physically and emotionally. Often you hear people say how tired or stressed they are. Guess what? Some of their baggage needs to be re-examined.

Imagine if we all started off with one small suitcase and then we accumulated more unpleasant experiences. Before long the suitcase would become full and we would have to get another one. Next thing you know, you would have baggage galore, and a whole lot more.

Why do we hold onto all this baggage?

We hold onto it because, believe it or not, it has become comfortable. Yes, comfortable.

Our thinking, behaviours and patterns have become security. We didn't stop to consider the luggage before loading it aboard. We just threw it in without examining it.

We might have become fearful of change, or losing ground, or not being accepted or unlovable, or anything else that we worry if we change we might lose. If the suitcase gets full we get another one. We load that one up as well and before long, voila, excess baggage weighing you down.

It's time to lessen the load and pick up a carry-on.

The way we interpret experiences, question our beliefs towards our thoughts, as well as the lessons learned is what determines whether it gets stuffed into a suitcase or stored away as gifts in a carry-on.

You don't have to worry about which suitcase to open first because whatever beliefs are creating the stress, conflict, anxiety, anger, worry and suffering etc. in your life are already opened for you to examine.

Do you really want to keep putting them back into the same old suitcases or do you want to explore them and take a carry-on filled with gifts instead?

The best gift you can give to yourself and others is to be willing to put the baggage down or at least examine it further before loading anymore.

Just think, when you arrive at a destination you can share the gifts rather than all the baggage. Which do you think people would love more?

How to Handle Curve Balls Life Sends Your Way

What to do when life throws you a curve ball:

Keep batting and don't give up. Learn to hit them right out into the stands and run all the bases for a home run. Hear the crowd go wild. Feel the glory inside that you didn't throw down your bat in defeat.

We are all pitched a few curve balls in life. Some can throw your whole game off if you aren't prepared to deal with them.

We only have to watch the news, read the newspaper, lose our jobs, become ill, lose a loved one, have problems in relationships, age, or experience financial setbacks to know we have just been thrown a curve ball. Just about anything can feel as if we were pitched a deuce.

It can leave us feeling frustrated, discouraged, defeated, anxious, angry and depressed.

So, "how" do we handle these unexpected curve balls?

That is the question and the answer. It is all in the "how". Even if you miss the pitch, it doesn't mean it has to throw your whole game off, or that you are out of the game. It's a temporary setback, an unexpected toss, a curve ball.

The thing is, we will experience challenges from time to time in our lives. The more curve balls we are thrown, the more practice we will have at hitting them and running those bases for a home run.

You have to know that when you hear, "Strike One, Strike Two, Strike Three, You're Out", it doesn't mean you are out of the game. It means you are only out until the next time you are up to bat.

There will be another inning, another game, another chance, and "how" you handle the curve balls is really up to you. You can lose your confidence, your spirit, your love of the game or, you can take your stance at home plate, swing like you have never swung before and know you have a chance a hitting that ball far out into the outfield or the stands.

In a sense, you're the batter, the team, and the crowd. Your attitude is what gets you onto the first, second, third or home base. You are your own team and crowd cheering you on, or booing and beating you down. Which will you choose?

If you choose to have an attitude of defeat, guess what? You will be defeated. Yet, if you have the attitude of "how" am I going to get to the first, second, third or home plate, you are opening up a whole playing field of opportunities.

Yes, you might get a little dirty, in fact, even muddy. You might strike out a few times and not get to any bases right away, but know they are there in every game and you will get to them.

You just have to pick up the bat and you will be hitting home runs again in no time at all. Perhaps it's time for a new stance, a new bat, a new team or crowd. Maybe... you missing the curve ball is really an opportunity to hit a home run on the next time up to bat.

You see, you never know when you step up to bat what kind of ball is going to be thrown your way. All you can do is practice at hitting different ones and know that one of them is going to be a home run, and that there are other innings and other games.

It's not about winning the game. It's really about "how" you handle those curve balls and whether you throw down the bat in defeat, or know that your next time up to bat could be a home run.

Which will you choose?

Are You Tired of the Doom and Gloom? 10 Insights to Bud and Bloom

How do we stay open to life's budding opportunities and beauty when we are experiencing economic and personal crisis?

By changing our beliefs towards the experiences we are encountering.

It can be difficult to bloom in our personal and professional lives when we are surrounded by doom and gloom.

It is no news that economic times are tough. With plant and company closures, layoffs, slow economy, decrease in revenues and markets dropping, it can leave one feeling depressed, anxious, angry and most of all, fearful.

When our professional world seems to be crumbling, it often affects our personal life as well.

Thinking positively doesn't seem enough when sales are down, or you lose your job, or you can't find a job, or you don't know what the future holds financially for you. Yet the more fearful you become, the harder it is to see budding opportunities.

So what do you do?

1. Question and confront your fears. Learn to let them go. Transform them so they won't hold you back. Denying them and perpetuating them doesn't make them go away. Confronting and altering them will.

2. Have faith even when times seem unbearable. It can be difficult to have faith when one is faced with life changing circumstances. This is the time when you need faith the most. These are the times that are testing your faith, your courage, your resilience, and perhaps even your very existence. Don't give up, gain faith.

3. Trust that you and/or your family will get through these difficult times. Know that you're not alone. Reach out for support and inspiration.

4. Know that opportunities will present themselves when you are open to receiving them. Just when you least expect it, someone or something will appear as if out of nowhere.

5. Get involved by troubleshooting and coming up with new and creative ideas, or another game plan or tactic. Sit down with family, friends, co-workers and business associates and brain storm, get new input, and ideas.

6. Listen to and surround yourself with people who are looking to blossom, not wither. When you surround yourself with like-minded people you are bound to come up like-minded ideas and ventures.

7. Get views from different sources on the best plan of action. It's beneficial to receive different views because sometimes we can become stuck in tunnel vision and we need to broaden our perspectives.

8. Review your talents and skills. Perhaps it's time to put them to better use. We never know what talents and skills are hiding and waiting to be explored.

9. Look around at the possibilities, rather than problems. We can become fixated on the problem, instead of the possibilities that are available. Don't wait for them to come knocking on your door. Get out and take a look around; you never know what might be waiting.

10. Believe, truly believe, that you will bloom again, not just your professional life, but your personal and spiritual one as well. In fact, by doing so, you may be blossoming all over the world.

Don't buy into the doom and gloom. There are roses waiting to bud and bloom.

Possibilities Can Spring Forth From Problems

How do we spring from problems to possibilities? We do so by recognizing there is a source that's available to expand our possibilities. One of the definitions of the word spring is, "to originate as from a source or cause." Think of your problems like a spring flower. They lie dormant all winter, and when the warmth of spring comes, they bloom from their source of life, the earth. There is endless promise that lies dormant within you waiting patiently for you to awaken.

No matter how tough a situation may seem, there is the potential to grow, learn and flourish. When you connect to the source that is always alive within you, there are solutions to what seem to be problems. The answers you seek are only a whisper away. Like the bulb that lies within the earth waiting on the spring's whisper to grow. You too shall rise above your problems into a world of possibilities. One of the biggest challenges we face with problems is we forget to open our hearts to the promise of possibilities.

Since the source is not something we can see, we often don't believe it's there. We take it for granted, or we forget that it is available, or we begin lose hope, or never had any. Our problems aren't the problem; our beliefs towards them are. Our blaming, complaining, accepting defeat, loss of faith and hope are what keep us from possibilities.

Possibilities are life waiting to be lived. Problems are possibilities waiting to happen. Problems are there for our growth, our expansion, our awakening, our promise, our emergence, our remembrance of who we really are. Without them life would be like an endless winter awaiting a spring that never arrives. Whatever problem you are facing right here, right now, presents an opportunity to open to new ideas, new insights, new beginnings and new awareness, but, more importantly, an authentic you that springs forth from problems and turns them into possibilities.

Without people believing it was possible, we wouldn't have transportation, electricity, the internet, medicine, business, art, poetry and songs, but most of all, life. We are all "possibility thinkers" because we all originate from the same source. This very source, no matter what you call it, is waiting for you to spring forth and share your growth.

Will you lie dormant as a result of your problems, or will spring forth with possibilities? The choice is yours for the awakening.

Disappointments - 7 Steps to Transforming Them

Just about anything can create a feeling of disappointment if you allow it too. It could be something as simple as the weather putting a damper on events or vacations, or perhaps something more serious as in job layoffs and cut backs, or not receiving the job applied for, or a relationship that doesn't seem to be going anywhere, or an illness, etc.

The problem is not the disappointment; it's in how much attention and meaning you give to it. Have you ever gone outside on a windy day and tried to stop it from blowing? Of course not, because you know the wind is going to blow until it doesn't. Setbacks are like the wind; they will come and go continuously in our lives.

So how can we handle these whirlwinds of disappointments?

1. By letting go of the expectation. We get so caught up on how things "should" be that when they don't go as planned, we are disappointed and miss the opportunities and simple pleasures that are still surrounding us.

2. By recognizing change is occurring. This is not a time to stick your head in the sand of disappointment and defeat; it's a time for acceptance that things are going to be different and you don't know what is going to unfold.

3. By facing feelings and fears. The unknown can be pretty scary but it doesn't have to be. Talk about it and surround yourself with people who have been through setbacks and overcome them.

4. By keeping it simple. Don't waste precious time and energy on worrying what is going to happen. Keep it simple. Look at what the present moment is presenting for you. This is a time for faith, not falsities.

5. By going with the flow. When you go with the flow of the events rather than stressing about what isn't happening, it allows you to take it all in, one precious moment at a time.

6. By acknowledging the present circumstance. All you really have is this present circumstance. The past has gone and the future has not yet occurred. When you acknowledge the present circumstances, you are inviting in the opportunity for growth and expansion on all levels.

7. By being grateful. One of the greatest gifts of any situation is being able to be grateful. It allows you to be right here, right now. It takes you out of disappointment and presents to you what is truly important.

Disappointments are a waste of precious time and energy. There is a whole world out there waiting to be explored. It is filled with opportunities, passions, and wonderful people. Don't live in the setbacks of the past or limited projections of the future. Take hold of the present moment and dance in the winds of change.

Are You Making Time For Joy in Your Life?

It's important to make time for joy, because you are JOY! When you do things that express who you truly are, it reflects in everything you do.

When it's all work and no play, there doesn't seem to be much time for fun, laughter, friends, family, but mostly, you! Even if you're passionate about your work, or home life, it can become the focus instead of an extension of who you truly are.

Ask yourself these questions:

* How do you express your joyous self?

* What do you do that brings you joy?

* How much time do you devote to you and what's truly important to you?

* What is genuine to you at the end of the day?

When your life is an expression of joyfulness, then you are acknowledging you, and who you truly are.

Perhaps your joy might be making time to go for a walk in nature, or go to the gym, or attend church, or reading novels, or meditating, or yoga, or getting together with friends, or family. Maybe it's having a game night with the kids, or grandkids, or going out to dinner once a week or month with your partner, friends or family. Hey, it might be even enjoying being by yourself.

Joy comes in all different ways and is different for each person. The main thing is to recognize what true joy means to you, and to do more of it.

When you are doing more of what you love to do, and what brings you happiness, how can your life not be more abundant; how can you not benefit from it?

Imagine this; you have your typical day at the office, or home, and instead of the same routine, you switch it up. Do something that feels favourable to you. Notice how your evening went from the same old, same old, to something different, something meaningful. You get up the next morning and things begin to shift. You might feel happier, or lighter, or have more energy, etc. Why? Because you have expanded your inner joy.

When you become acquainted with the natural joy that lives in you, you will want to express it more and more. When you acknowledge the bliss that lives within you, not outside of you, then you begin to listen to what really make your heart soar. If joy doesn't live within you, then what does?

Expand your enjoyment from the inside out. Get to know your true happiness and passions. Pay attention to the simplicity of it rather than the complexity of what you "think" it is. When you're in alignment with your inner joy, then your journey is filled with more opportunities, genuine passion, playfulness, creativity, and love.

By taking time to be joyous, you are taking the time to honour your natural state of being. How can your life not be rewarding if you are living in joy?

All you need to do is remember that you are joy and then expand it. Watch life's miracles unfold before your very eyes!

Troubled Times? - Why It's Important to Count Your Blessings

We have all experienced troubled times in our lives, as if there was a black cloud hovering over our days.

Each day you get up thinking, "Perhaps today will be better".

The only real way it will be different is by shifting the mind-sets around the challenging times.

If all you choose to see are the black clouds, how do you expect to see, let alone experience, sunshine?

You have to make a decision that no matter what the day entails, you will find at least one thing that you can feel blessed about.

Within a week you will be discovering all sorts of blessings in your life. Ones you had taken for granted for many years, and new ones that you never even imagined existed.

Before long your list of blessings will be growing to include people, places, things, experiences, etc. As your list grows, you will be growing right along with it.

You will no longer be looking at life through the dark cloud of depression, despair, anger, or resentment. The clouds will be shifting, and rays of sunlight will be beaming through.

Why is it important to count your blessings?

It's significant because if you don't see the blessings then you focus on the problem rather than the solutions.

Instead of being hopeful, you become hopeless.

You can become stuck, frustrated, stressed, discouraged, defeated and depleted. How can you possibly shift your energy and situations if you are coming from this space?

When you change your beliefs towards troubled times and open to the blessings, they become opportunities waiting to radiate in your life.

When you see through them, like the sun's rays through the cloud, you are on your way to brighter days.

When you count your blessings and begin to see the possibilities within the problems, then this is a blessed event.

When your spirit is filled with blessings, they transform your circumstances. They light your way through the darkness and into the light again.

You will be expanding in ways you never thought possible. You will be opening to portals of potential and peace, not problems and pain.

The sun may not always be shining on the outside, but on the inside you're beaming because you know that dark clouds can roll out as quickly as they rolled in.

When you find life has cast a dark patch your way, look for the rays of blessing. They are always available.

Would you rather count the hardships in life, or the blessings you find within them?

The choice is yours.

A person who feels blessed is someone who finds the blessings in life. How many can you find?

If you don't already have one, put a journal on your nightstand and each night jot down all the things you feel blessed or grateful for.

Look back from time to time to see how your list grows and changes and how much your life becomes more meaningful because of them.

Blessings are everywhere waiting to be seen; don't miss them, count them.

Remember, you are one of those blessings.

What Direction is Your Life Heading? 7 Steps to Being a Successful Navigator

For some, having a direction is the easy part, but getting there can be the challenge.

For others, not having a direction, or believing it's possible, can be steering them off course.

Whether you have a route mapped out of where you are going and what you want, or you don't, becoming a successful navigator is of the upmost importance.

It can either be a journey of great adventures through unchartered territory, or one filled with stress, anxiety, worry and dread. The choice is yours.

How do you become this victorious guide on the map in your life?

Step One: Remember, you are the navigator and you're connected to an everlasting source of unlimited possibilities. Circumstances and people may alter your desired destinations, but you are responsible for how you handle where you go next.

Step Two: Trust you are being guided on the right road, at the right time. It may not always seem apparent why things are occurring as they are, but know they are for your growth and expansion to be all you can be.

Step Three: Take charge of your actions and reactions. When you are the victorious guide within your life, you know it's up to you how you will manage the forks and detours. You can swerve out of control, or handle them with ease and precision.

Step Four: Be prepared for some detours. No matter where you are headed there will be twists, turns, alternate routes, rough conditions, and road blocks. When you are aware they are just a longer way around a shorter route, then they become part of the scenic journey, rather than the end to the destination.

Step Five: Slow down. Life is filled with unexpected speed bumps; this is a way to get you to reduce your speed and take a look at where you are heading. It's an opportunity to change direction and enjoy the ride rather than rush to the next destination without checking out a few alternate roads.

Step Six: Have faith. Know your navigational abilities are being guided by an unlimited source. You can never be lost because you are never alone. Others are there for you to ask them directions, but the final route is yours to chart.

Step Seven: Breathe often. This reminds you it's about the experiences along the journey rather than the destination. Destinations will come and go, but the journey never ends.

Your map might be filled with detours, construction delays, or road blocks, but as long as you are navigating, and know your route is divinely guided, then the steering wheel is in good hands.

You can ride around in circles and be stressed, frustrated and feel alone, or you can be relaxed and content knowing the trip is filled with genuine purpose.

When you are a successful navigator, you have faith and trust where the directions are emanating from. There is no rush to reach a destination because you will be enjoying the beauty and incredible roads along the way.

5 Mistakes to Avoid For Your Optimal Growth

Everything occurring in your life is precisely the right timing for your optimal growth.

When things are running smoothly in your relationships, your career, your finances, your health, and your personal enjoyment time, it's quite easy to feel that you're in the right place at the right time; that life is good.

Then you hit a rough patch in one or a couple of areas in your life and, all of a sudden you feel like you are walking on jagged rocks, rather than water.

It's hard to imagine that these events are occurring at exactly the right time, let alone for your optimal growth and renewed spirit.

When things are going well you feel enthusiastic, optimistic, charged, and excited, like life is the greatest thing since sliced bread, but when uneven stones are being walked upon, the feelings are quite the opposite. You might be doubtful, fearful, stressed, depressed, and feel a lack energy and enthusiasm.

The biggest stumbling stone is not the actual problem, but your beliefs and attitude towards the events and people you feel are creating them.

The first mistake we make is over-analyzing. We tend to over-think everything, especially when there is a problem. In doing so, we create a thinking frenzy creating more stress, more doubts, and more fears. Hmmm.... How is this benefiting your growth and renewal?

The fact of the matter is, it's not. The way to stop the madness is to ask, "How is this thinking benefiting me?" If your thoughts aren't in alignment with your well being, then it's time to let them go. You can hear them out, but then readjust your attitude for possibilities, not more problems.

The second is making it catastrophic. Often when we are faced with what seem like negative occurrences we make them out to be worse than they really are. We jump right into the over-analyzing and then it becomes the worst thing imaginable. We can make mountains out of mole hills, if we let it.

The truth is people climb mountains every day, both the external and internal ones. It is possible for you to climb yours, you just have to believe it and take the necessary steps.

The third is doubt. If you don't avoid the first two mistakes, you are headed straight into second guessing. You doubt your decisions, your abilities, your strength, your courage, and perhaps even your very existence. You will find just about anything and everything to second guess yourself on, and the situation you are in. All those limiting beliefs are for your optimal growth. To realize that whatever you are doubting, the opposite also holds true.

The fourth is losing faith. We often get so involved with the perceived problem that we lose faith in the solutions, and where they originating from. These obstacles are a way of testing your faith and commitment to who you truly are.

This is not a time to lose conviction, but rather strengthen it from the source from which it emanates, whatever that might be for you.

The fifth is forgetting. You forget that you are in the right place at the right time. How do you know? You know because that is where you are. Whether you chose to be there, or something occurred and you ended up there.

Wherever you are, know that you are there for your optimal growth.

Can you see how one mistake can lead to the next?

If you can avoid the first mistake, and remember that everything happens precisely as it needs to, you will be well on your way to seeing it as a setback, not a stand still.

It may not always be apparent right away why something is happening, but have faith and know it is for your optimal expansion and evolution of your spirit.

Soon you will be walking on water, or at least along side of it.

When you change your thinking, you can change your life. Remember, when you Shine, the world shines brighter because of you!

Yesterdays' Problems May Be Apparent, But Today's Promise Awaits You

The dawn of each day holds the promise for possibilities.

It's hard to believe that's true when world seems to be filled with despair, war, recession, The Swine Flu, Listeria, company closures, layoffs, gas and oil price increases, fluctuations in stock markets, earthquakes, tornadoes, killings, abductions, poverty, etc.

All of these things, as well as your own personal and professional struggles, can leave you feeling stressed, fearful, doubtful, anxious, and depressed. It can be difficult to get through your day, let alone believe that it holds promise.

The promise for peace, forgiveness, joy, love, prosperity, and renewed spirit.

Do YOU believe it's possible?

Do YOU believe this day holds promise?

You see, this is where it truly begins, with each and every one of us believing we are brilliant conduits for change, growth, potential, and possibilities. How can we not be when we are connected to the greatest source of promise, God (whatever you believe in)?

We get so entangled in the problems of yesterday that we forget, when we open our eyes, that it is the dawn of a new day, filled with hope, help, and happiness.

We allow the difficulties to define who we are, rather than recognizing that all these troubles are for our individual growth so we may grow collectively.

These apparent troubles test our faith, patience, perseverance, commitment, abilities, and our very existence.

Imagine how it would be if each and every one of asked:

* How can I offer help?

* How can I increase hope?

* How can I extend happiness?

Just think, if each and every one of us believed that each day held the promise to bring about new beginnings, how different our world could be.

The changes you seek begin with you.

You can spread more fear, doubt, hate, and despair, or you can reach out from your heart, with outstretched hands and extend hope, faith, love, support, and forgiveness.

When you listen with your inner ear to the whispers of promise, then possibilities are bound to follow.

Every day we are seeing and hearing how renewed hope, faith, and love, are changing lives and how devastating events are being transformed because we as humans are transforming our beliefs.

You have the choice to see only problems or, the promise that each day holds.

It's your decision to make, and it begins today with you.

We are all connected to the greatest source of promise, God, that holds true and strong, for change and possibilities.

Remember, change doesn't happen overnight, but the potential for change within you can begin with the promise of each new moment, of each new day.

4 Stages to Transformation - What Phase Are You In?

We are always evolving, growing and expanding in our personal, professional and spiritual lives. Everything occurring is for this very reason.

The question to ask is, "What stage of transformation am I in?"

Think of it like a butterfly's metamorphosis; there's the egg, the larva, the cocoon, and the emergence.

We are constantly in a never-ending cycle of self-transformation. Recognizing the 4 stages helps us emerge from the where we are and assists us through the next phases so we're not staying stuck in our limiting beliefs, or circumstances. Instead we are living life to the fullest.

1. The Egg: This stage is about observing your thoughts and ideas.

This is the beginning and a time for investigating your beliefs and noticing how, and if, they are holding you back. Are they creating stress, fear, anxiety, doubts and obstacles?

Or, do you feel centered, calm, and content?

This place is for watching how your thinking is affecting your happiness, health, well being, relationships, your job, your financial situations, and most importantly, your spirit. This space is about gaining insights and staying connected to the infinite source from which they are emanating.

2. The Larva: This stage is about introspection by listening, following, and trusting your insights.

This is the where great ideas form and changes begin to take place. Perhaps it's about whether you need to make a decision, a change, a move, or a shift in your mindsets, attitudes, or situations. Maybe it's about acceptance and trusting the process of evolution that you are undergoing in different aspects of your personal, professional and spiritual life.

This is about having or gaining faith in your valuable insights, and seeing the opportunities to grow, expand, and evolve. This is not a time for quick rash decisions but rather a time to generate new possibilities and allow things to progress and develop without judgment and fears.

3. The Cocoon: This stage is about development, growth, and change.

You feel energized, renewed, and ready to break through the old beliefs, attitudes, and mindsets that were holding you back and you are open for new beginnings. It's not about right or wrong decisions. The choices you make are for your growth, learning, and expanding.

This stage is about gaining valuable knowledge, skills, character, authenticity, and integrity. This is where you are connected, comfortable, confident, and content in your choices because you are trusting where they are emerging from and are seeing the bigger picture of your migration.

4. The Emergence: This stage is of transformation, welcoming, sharing, and creating.

It takes great determination and strength to break through the silk that butterflies have woven around themselves. It is no different for you. You have woven the threads of beliefs throughout your experiences and your life, and it takes faith, determination, and inner strength to work your way through those.

Once you are out of the cocoon of the ego you are free until the next time you find yourself stuck. You could crawl back into the cocoon, or spread your wings and show your true colours of being free to enjoy all your errors, efforts, and victories; and to know you are not alone and are guided at all times wherever and however long or short your journey.

Being free means sharing your ideas, your dreams, and your authenticity with the world. Each and every day you are entering the various stages of self- transformation and all of the phases benefit your migration.

When we feel we are up against a decision to make, tough or rough times, changes, obstacles, or fears, just knowing we are in one of these stages of transformation helps us to emerge through the chrysalis and emergence, and into the freedom to soar through them.

Isn't it wonderful to be renewed in spirit and life, and recognize the evolving journey we are all on together for each other's development and expansion?

It may not always seem this way, especially when things aren't going smoothly, but this is the time to remember what stage you are in and know that you can break through the silk of your ego's cocoon at any given moment and experience the freedom. Your emergence provides you with the freedom to spread your wings and fly and colour the world with your brilliance.

Remember, when you Shine, the world shines brighter because of you!

Do Certain People Push Your Buttons? - 7 Insights For Dealing With Them

Every person is for your growth, learning, and expansion. This can be hard to believe especially from a person who pushes your buttons and you feel like pulling your hair out.

It's much easier to acknowledge the great and awesome qualities that our friends bring for us and reflect in us. Perhaps they are humorous, kind, compassionate, caring, successful, fun to be around, inspiring, loyal, etc. It can be difficult to recognize that we have these same positive virtues.

We enjoy being around them because it's fun, light, and effortless. They are reflecting the feel good parts of ourselves whether we acknowledge them or not.

People, on the other hand who rub you the wrong way, or get under your skin, or test your patience, or seem to take advantage of you, or create a sense of anger, stress or frustration are not so easy to be around. Who wants to recognize, let alone handle, what they are presenting?

"Gaze into your depths and you shall see his face reflected on your still waters" Return of the Prophet

Whether these people are at home, work, or anywhere else, they tend to push your buttons.

You know... the buttons that seem not so nice, whether grumbling in your thoughts or in your actions and reactions. Maybe you give them the cold shoulder, the evil eye, ignore them completely, or say something under your breath, or directly to them.

Oh those buttons. Yes, those not so lovely qualities are showing you parts of yourself that you choose not to acknowledge. The problem is that if you continue not to see what they are reflecting in you, then these same emotions or reactions continue to show up somewhere else in your life, either in a different person or in a different way.

It's quite simple to ignore them or not be around these people, unless they are in your immediate life. Then it's not so easy, is it?

So what do you do? How do you handle them?

7 Insights to Dealing With Them:

1. Acknowledge what they are reflecting in you, the good, the bad, and the ugly. Once you begin to see what they are reflecting, you can see it's an opportunity for you to grow, learn, and expand.

2. Recognize where else this same feeling is being generated in your life. Chances are it's not just from this one person; it may be in other people or in situations that bring about the same type of emotions or reactions.

3. Let go of the need to change them, to be right and make them wrong, to control, to be heard, acknowledged, the should and shouldn't, to fix them or change them, as well as the expectation of how things need to be, etc.

Whatever you are reacting to in them is an opportunity for you to transform in yourself.

4. Connect to your insights. If you take a few moments and connect with the source that your insights are emanating from, you will know what it is you could do or say, or perhaps it's to do nothing at all in that moment.

5. Remember the bigger picture. We are all together in this beautiful, abundant Universe and everyone and everything is connected and for our learning, growth and expansion.

6. Choices are available to you. You can choose not to allow this person to ruffle your feathers, or you can let the feathers fly.

You can make choices and set boundaries that are best for you, or continue to feel stressed and frustrated. You can try to change someone else, or you can change your reactions and actions.

7. Treat others the way you want to be treated. If you want others to consider your feelings, respect you, do things for you, be a certain way, be loyal, kind, caring, considerate, etc., there are two things to ponder:

* Can you still treat them the way you want to be treated, even when they don't?

* More importantly, do you treat yourself that way, even when they don't?

Remember, friends and others are your reflections, so what qualities are you seeing?

Remember, when you Shine, the world shines brighter because of you!

9 Questions to Ask About The Labyrinth of Your Life

Labyrinths have become part of spiritual practices for many people and cultures.

Labyrinths are like mazes and are built in different designs and various ways. When walking through them they can represent your journey and ways to learn more about yourself, your life, and your relationships with others. It can deepen your connection to your emotional, physical, and spiritual well being.

The most basic metaphor for walking a labyrinth is that of your life's journey. You walk through being mindful. You can envision your life's goal or a challenge you might be facing. You walk to your destiny (the center of the labyrinth) and see what you learned, or experienced.

So how can you do this if you don't have a labyrinth to walk?

You can begin by acknowledging what you are experiencing throughout your days. Symbolically you're walking a labyrinth every moment.

Although, if you haven't had the experience of actually walking one, I recommend exploring it at least once, it really is quite amazing.

When you wake in the morning, imagine your day is unfolding with many great lessons and insights for you.

You can be specific as to which area in your life you want to explore today, like relationships, money, career, personal time and growth, or spiritually. Or you can just let the day unfold and see what insights you receive, or what you learned about yourself or others.

Start by paying closer attention to sights, sounds, people, your body, and your emotions.

At the end of the day take out a notepad or sheet of paper and ask yourself these 9 questions:

1. How was my day in regards to __, or in general?

2. Were there any twists and turns today? If so, how did I handle them? What could I have done differently - if anything?

3. What did I notice about myself emotionally today? Was I relaxed, tense, happy, sad, scattered, rushed, fearful, etc? What contributed to my overall feeling?

4. What did I experience in my body today? Was it feeling wonderful, in pain, relaxed, alive, etc? Did my body have any messages for me? Think about what your body might be trying to convey to you.

5. Did I feel connected today, or lost and alone? Did I take time to just "be" today or connect with God (use whatever word feels right for you)?

6. What was I aware of? Was I going with the flow, or rushing through my day? Was I focused or scattered?

7. How did I experience others today? Did I feel a sense of oneness, frustration, jealousy, envy, anger, etc? What contributed to this feeling?

8. What did I see today? Or what did I see differently today? What blessings or gifts did I receive?

9. Consider all the experiences of your day. What did you learn about yourself or situation? What insights, epiphanies, or ah ha moments did you have or came to realize as you were answering the questions?

Every twist and turn in our days, or life, is a way to awaken us to the present moment, to why we're really here, and who we really are.

They are opportunities for us to grow, learn, and expand as we walk our personal labyrinths.

Are you paying attention to your body and emotions, as well as the signs, symbols, events, and people that are for your personal, professional, and most importantly, your spiritual connection and growth?

Remember when you Shine, the world shines brighter because of you!

Is Your Life Like a Comfortable Pair of Shoes? 7 Steps to Making it a Good Fit

What makes your life fit like a fine pair of shoes?

What makes it comfortable, appealing, affordable, sexy, and perhaps even dazzling?

When you buy a pair of shoes you generally purchase ones that feel good, fit right, and appeal to you.

You know what you don't like or what doesn't feel right, and you know what does.

Life isn't much different. You realize the things you enjoy and don't enjoy about it. That's the easy part the difficulty often lies in making your personal, professional and spiritual life a good match for you.

Generally most people are content in a few areas of their life but unhappy, stressed, or dissatisfied in others.

Which of these areas feel like a good fit, like they are the most comfortable and appealing pair of shoes you ever bought?

· Financial

· Career

· Physical health

· Relationships

· Emotional well being

· Spiritual connectedness

· Personal time and growth

Try this analogy on for "size". Kids are constantly growing and as they do, their shoes just don't fit anymore, or they are wearing them out quickly, or they want new ones.

Areas in our lives aren't really any different. Since we are always growing and expanding, parts of our lives we seem to outgrow, wear out, or want to try something new on for size.

How do you make your life an overall good fit?

Step One: Try it on for size. What areas don't feel like a good fit? What's going on that has changed your comfort? Maybe you've grown, or feel worn out, or you're feeling crammed in, or there's no room for growth or expansion.

Look at each area of your life and compare it to your shoe size. Let's say you are a size 7 or a size 10, measure each area for comfort and a good fit.

For example: If you are a size 7 and you're looking at your financial comfort, measure your contentment on a scale of 1 to 7, seven being the most comfortable and the greatest fit for you, and 1 being extremely uncomfortable, painful, fearful, doubtful, etc.

Step Two: Choices are available. This is a time for some new choices. Maybe it's a fresh outlook, a different direction, another plan, an attitude adjustment, brilliant insight, or some dazzling and creative ideas.

There are thousands of different shoe stores and shoes out there, and your life has an unlimited supply of possibilities. You just have look at your options and choices.

Remember you are connected to the greatest source which is always offering you an abundant selection of what's best suited and designed for your growth, comfort, and expansion.

Step Three: Something new. We can become so comfortable in an area of our life that we take it for granted, or we think it will always be a certain way, or it will never change. We forget that shoes wear out, or our tastes change, or they aren't as comfortable as they once were.

Does this mean leaving the shoes behind? Sometimes that might be the choice you make, but often it's about trying something new and seeing how it sizes up. This isn't a time for quick rash decisions but rather a time for trying different ideas, attitudes and insights on for size.

This is an opportunity to look in the mirror and seeing what is being reflected and making some different choices if you don't like what you see.

Step Four: Being thankful. Ahh....this is time to be thankful for the fact you have feet and can buy shoes. You have the option of wearing them or not, keeping them, throwing them out, or giving them away.

This is a time for being grateful that you are alive, right here right now, and that you can make choices that are a better fit and more comfortable for your life, or the option of something new all together.

Step Five: Share your comfort. You know when you purchase a pair of shoes and they're comfortable, look great and feel good? You seem to walk as if you are on a cloud and there's a comfort and perhaps even confidence in your step.

Share your joys, abundance, happiness, appreciation, gratitude, love, comfort and insights as often as possible and with as many people as you can.

Step Six: Room for growth. Remember, we are always growing and expanding. Whatever area in our lives might feel uncomfortable, too snug, tight, suffocating, blistering, painful, or numb tell us it's time to search within for some new shoes (ideas, insights).

Know that what seem like unpleasant times are for your growth, expansion and awakening to something dazzling and brilliant within you and are just waiting to be explored.

Step Seven: The Sole (Soul). What's a pair of shoes without a sole?

This is a valuable step because without soul our lives can feel empty and it's like we are searching for something or someone to make our lives a good fit.

It's important to make time to just "be", to meditate, renew our spirits, gain precious insights, remember our purpose, strengthen our faith, and connect with God (whatever word feels right for you).

To share our shoes with others, those that have them and those that don't, this is a wonderful gift.

Remember, life is like a comfortable pair of shoes and you have the choice of making it a good fit.

When you Shine, the world shines brighter because of you!

Recipe For a Happier Life - Add 7 Tablespoons of Laughter

With all the troubled times in the world and in our personal and professional lives, it can be difficult to find the joy, let alone laughter.

The definition of laugher is: to feel joyousness, merriment, glee and the resulting sound as to laugh.

There is nothing more beautiful than hearing the resonance of laughter, especially in young children squealing in delight. Have you ever heard a child's first laugh? What an incredible moment! You can't help but smile or laugh yourself. It's wonderful to be able to fill our lives with mirth, whether it's with family, friends, associates, or watching a movie or show, or perhaps being able to laugh at yourself.

How do you feel after you've laughed? Can you feel the energy in your body? Does it feel alive, lighter, expanding, warming, moving, tingly, etc? The benefits of laughter can be life changing. Research shows that laughing increases your threshold for pain, aids in the healing process, lowers blood pressure, reduces stress hormones, and generates the release of endorphins - your body's natural pain reliever. It can elevate the mood of those around you and enhance the quality of your social interactions, as well as improve your overall health and well being.

Over the next week see how often you're laughing.

Add 7 tablespoons of laughter to your life

Tablespoon #1: Add a teaspoon of laughter to your morning tea or coffee. Read your favorite comic or joke, or watch or listen to something funny before heading to work. After all, starting the day with a smile on your face is far better than a sour puss.

Tablespoon #2: Call your friends and family - Surround yourself with people who make you laugh. Get together as often as possible, go to a comedy club, or enjoy a dinner or lunch of infectious giggles and funny memories.

Tablespoon #3: Check your local theater and television shows - A healthy dose of comedy, whether in theaters, or on a video, or your favorite sitcom on T.V., always deliver some heartfelt laughs.

Tablespoon #4: Finding humor in tough moments - Whether you've had a terrible day at work, or experienced a spat with your co-worker, significant other, friend, family member or child, it's possible to find humour in life's toughest moments if you look hard enough. Consider finding something that makes you laugh about the situation, or read the comics, or leave a funny note or quote for the other person or yourself. In a sense making lemonade from lemons.

Tablespoon #5: Smile often - You don't always have to be rolling on the floor laughing to acquire the therapeutic rewards of laughter. Even smiling when you don't feel like it can alter your mood and relax your body. A smile goes a long way for you and others.

A simple breathing exercise to practice is: I breathe in peace, I breathe out a smile (don't forget to actually smile). Try this for 5 to 10 counts.

Tablespoon #6: Break out the games - Whether you're at home, the cottage, or on a trip, there's nothing more fun than the laughter and good times a board or card game brings about. If you are playing with those serious winners who never seem to crack a smile, let alone a laugh, then find a game like Pictionary or Charades that can't help but elicit a chuckle.

Tablespoon #7: Be creative and have fun - Express yourself through art, songs, or writing. You don't have to be a Picasso, Beethoven or Ernest Hemmingway to be creative, just play. Color, paint, draw, write, sing, dance, use clay, sew, knit, etc. Whatever you feel drawn to - do it!

Dress up in funny clothes, silly glasses, wigs, or a big red nose or shoes. Don't wait for Halloween or after a few too many cocktails. Enjoy being silly with your kids, co-workers, sports teams, family and friends. There's no time like the present to have a theme day at work or home.

It can be challenging, especially during troubled times, to feel like doing something enjoyable, or laughing, but once you do, you and others will reap the benefits. Don't forget laughter is contagious, just like yawning. I don't know about you but I'd much rather laugh. Laughter truly is great medicine, so make sure you get your daily dose.

Remember, when you Shine, the world shines brighter because of you!

Stressful Times? 7 Tips to Adding "Ah" Moments to Your Day

Adding "ah" moments to your day is like sipping on a cool glass of lemonade on a hot summer day, or drinking a cup of warm cocoa or tea on a cool winter's eve, or gazing at the stars in the midnight sky, or paddling a kayak or canoe on the still morning or evening waters.

These surreal times seem to create a silent lucidity in the soul where the runaway train of thoughts cease for just an instant. This space where you feel connected, alive, peaceful, and content all in one instant, these are "ah" moments.

It's much easier to feel this ease when things are going well in your life but when things appear to take a turn in a different direction as they often do, the "ah" seems to fade to "uh".

During stressful times, whether it be personal, professional, or both, the problem can become the focus and leave you feeling depleted, doubtful, anxious, frustrated, angry, sad and even downright miserable.

Perhaps you are going through a tough time at home with your partner or children, or you've lost your job, or your boss or co-worker seem to be upsetting you, or you always appear to be unhappy, or you don't know what direction to go next, or you or someone you know has become ill, or the day to day routine has got you down.

All of a sudden the lemonade seems to be filled with sour lemons, your cocoa or tea has turned to ice, the stars seem to be hidden in the gray sky, and the still waters are now gusty waves.

So much for the all is well feeling. Where did it go?

It didn't go anywhere; you just had a momentary lapse of remembrance that there's another possibility available for you.

How do you put the "ah" back in your day?

1. Ah...Give thanks you have this day. It may not be the day you planned, maybe things seem like they are taking a turn for the worse, but you're still here right in this very moment and possibilities are arising for you to grow, learn and expand.

2. Ah... Step outside there's a whole world out there. Sometimes we get caught up during our busy schedules and list of things to do that we forget there is a world waiting for us to explore.

Sunsets and sunrises, birds, flowers, trees, thunderstorms, beaches, oceans, pathways, forests, clouds, sunshine, people, animals, historical sites, museums, parks, etc.

Maybe you can only get out for a moment today or for a quick walk, but who knows what can happen in that very instant that can change your thinking, your mood, or maybe your life.

3. Ah...Pause for a moment. As many times as you can during the day, pause for a moment and breathe. Be conscious of that very moment just as it is.

It's neither good nor bad; it's just a moment for you to remember to suspend what you are doing and get out of your thoughts and into your breath.

4. Ah...Connect to God (whatever word feels right for you). Make time to be still and connect to the Infinite Intelligence that is guiding your way.

Find a few minutes each day to listen with your inner ear and see with your third eye what wonderful insights are waiting for you.

5. Ah...Take a mini vacation. This vacation won't cost you a thing. Close your eyes and imagine wherever it is you would like to be.

See the surroundings. Where are you? What do you see? What colours are apparent? What do you smell? What do you feel when you are in this place?

If you have a hard time visualizing things, or prefer to see a picture, find an image that represents as close as possible to what you imagine and put it somewhere where you can see it often throughout the day.

6. Ah...Appreciate someone. Whenever possible, appreciate someone. It can be at home, work, a store, restaurant, airport, etc. There is always someone waiting to be appreciated for what they do and you are just the person to acknowledge them.

Don't wait for someone to appreciate you either; you can value who you are each and every day when you take a look in the mirror.

7. Ah...The end of the day. Whether you are at home, or arrive home to family, pets or by yourself, take a few minutes to adjust your attitude and leave the work or day somewhere else.

This is a time to relax and enjoy your evening. Yes, there may be a list a mile high at home as well as others things to do, but do take at least 10-15 minutes to have gratitude for your day however it may have unfolded, and to give thanks for your home however simple or grand it may be.

Share how your day was and what "ah" moments you had. If you don't have someone to tell them to, call a friend, or write them in a journal.

There are many simple ways of creating more "ah" moments in your day and often they lend themselves to many ah ha moments, as well as creativity, peace, and a sense of well being.

No matter what stresses may be occurring in your life, you are worth taking and making time for, if only for a moment.

You can spare a moment or two can't you?

Remember , when you Shine, the world shines brighter because of you!

Feeling Stuck? 7 Steps Worth Pursuing

There are times in our personal and/or professional life where we feel stuck and we don't know which way to turn, or what to do next, or we become fearful of what the outcomes will be. It's as if our hopes and dreams have been suspended, or somehow misplaced in trying to exist in life, or that events or people have changed our vision or direction.

All too often we are so consumed with trying to make a living, or become caught up in our busy routines, or circumstances occur and we stop believing in and/or doubt our dreams. What previously was a life filled with aspirations is now one of dulled passions, loss of hopes, enthusiasm, creativity and courage. It can leave one feeling there aren't any alternatives or solutions and therefore we become filled with fears and limitations.

Walt Disney said, "All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them". So how do we move from feeling stuck to pursuing our dreams? We do this by building on the vision we have or creating new ones. We need to take 7 steps out of our comfort zone and into the unknown.

Step 1. Let it go.

Whatever situation you are in right now where you are feeling stuck, let it go. Whenever thoughts of doubt, worry, fear, limitation, and "what ifs" enter, let them go. Release the over-analyzing and questioning and start imagining the possibilities. You may not have the solution this minute, day, or week, but know that something is about to shift and things are about to change.

Step 2. Trust.

Often one of the biggest challenges we encounter when we are without an answer or solution is trusting that all will be as it needs to be and that it is happening for our growth and development. We feel like we need to know or control the outcomes and when we don't have the answers, or aren't in control, we become fearful because we haven't strengthened our trust yet. When we have faith that everything happens for a reason and we are in control of our actions and reactions in situations, then it becomes easier to allow things to unfold and have confidence we will make it through. Remember, "This too shall pass".

Step 3. Gaining insights.

Every situation is an invitation to your insights. These brilliant ideas are waiting patiently to shine in your life. They are the possibilities and miracles waiting to occur. They are dreams waiting to be lived. They are opportunities knocking on your door waiting to be welcomed. They are steps of courage waiting to be taken and explored. They are the answers to your questions and prayers, so don't get stuck on how they will unfold, allow them to expand and grow.

Step 4. Pursue your dreams.

Just because you seem to be stuck doesn't mean you have to give up on your hopes and dreams. We are all infinite beings who are filled with unlimited possibilities just waiting to create new ideas out of the impasses. Take out a piece of paper and in the middle write down where you are feeling stuck. Then write all the possibilities, new ideas, positive thoughts, and outcomes that can spring forth from this challenge. Use different colour markers or pencils for each thought. Write them wherever you choose to on the page. After you're done, sit back and explore the possibilities.

Step 5. Choices are available.

By doing the exercise above you can see you have choices. Opportunities abound for new hopes, new dreams, new ideas, new attitudes, new thoughts, and new outlooks on life. Don't get hung up on which one is the best, or how it will be. Instead, take some time to investigate the options. Let your imagination wander and ponder the promise and potential. You never know what gems are waiting to sparkle in your life.

Step 6. Don't give up.

Your dreams are worth your investment, your commitment, your time, your growth, your courage and efforts. They may not unfold as you originally planned but that doesn't mean it's time to give up hope. Perhaps other ideas originate from taking that first step. You'll never know unless you try. Let go of the need for it to be perfect or having to have it a certain way. Be creative. Let the possibilities paint a new picture for you. You have wonderful gifts, talents and skills to share, or fine tune. If you don't know what they are, try different things. What are your passions? What do you feel drawn to? What lights you up when you think or talk about it?

Step 7. Connect to the greatest source.

When you are connected to God, the Universe, whatever you choose to call this abundant resource, then you know you are never alone and the possibilities are endless. We are all connected in this beautiful world and each situation is calling to deepen our bond to life's mysteries and our unique and brilliant ways of being. We all have a gift, some more than one. Many great lessons can be learned and doors opened as we explore our hopes and dreams.

Don't get stuck, get moving.

Are You Celebrating Your Achievements?

It's funny how when we finish school we seem to stop celebrating our achievements. Some daycare centers have a little graduation before the children move into kindergarten. Then you have elementary school, junior high, high school, college and university. That's quite a few graduations of turning points and reasons to celebrate!

For many once school is behind them, they stop celebrating their achievements. Our personal, professional and spiritual lives are filled with accomplishments. It's important to not only acknowledge, but also to rejoice in your successes no matter how big or small they might seem.

Maybe you got the job you were looking at or the promotion you wanted, or you left work and started your own business. Perhaps you bought a new or used car, made a move or took a course you've wanted to attend. You may have joined a gym or started an exercise program. You might have moved on from a relationship or made a commitment to stay and work on it.

Have you started going to church and/or meditating, eating healthier, stopped an addiction? Perhaps you didn't yell or react to your children, spouse or co-worker the way you usually do, or you didn't lose your temper, or you found humor in what seems like a serious situation.

You see that no matter how big or small something may seem they are all successes. Your growth is worth acknowledging and celebrating. It doesn't have to be a celebration with boom bands playing, tuxedos, fancy dresses, parties, and fine dining.

Although, wouldn't it be something if someone asked you, "What's all the celebrating about?" Your response might be, "I held my temper today and breathed instead". Okay, so there aren't any marching bands, parades, hand shakes or certificates for many of your achievements, turning points and expansion, but that doesn't mean you can't take a few moments out of the day and jot them down, does it?

Making the time to write down a few achievements is a great start to acknowledging all the things you do each day. After a month of daily recognitions, take a look and see all the ways you have grown, developed, expanded and helped others. You are worth celebrating and the steps you are taking deserve at least a gold star!

Stuck in Day to Day Routines? 7 Tips to Feel Inspired

It doesn't take much for me to feel inspired. It can be ignited just sitting on the back porch and feeling the warm sunshine on my face, or the cool breeze rustling my hair, or sipping a warm cup of tea or a cool glass of lemonade. It can be from looking at beautiful flowers, listening to water flowing, watching the rain or snow fall, looking at photography or art work, listening to music, or connecting with nature in any way, etc.

Inspiration is everywhere if you open mind and heart to the beauty that surrounds you.

What once seemed like boring routines, same stuff but just a different day, or lack of enthusiasm or passion in your personal and professional life transforms into ideas, possibilities, creativity, excitement, and a new outlook.

When you allow your imagination to flow freely as water in the oceans, you are honouring yourself and all of life's splendour and beauty.

Let your inner eye guide your way like the lighthouse does for sailors in the night.

When you are connected to the infinite source of inspiration, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. The possibilities and changes your life will encounter are endless.

1. Shift your day to day routine. You no longer have to feel like the ball and chain. You can break-free and get the ball rolling. Perhaps you start your morning differently, take a different way to work, go for a walk during the day, write ideas instead of reading the newspaper, change your office space or pictures, eat your lunch in a nearby park, etc. When you change your routine, you are allowing creativity to flow.

2. Step outside. When you enter the great outdoors you are connecting to nature rather than looking at it through a window. You are getting out of the tunnel vision and visioning more. Even if you are surrounded by buildings, the sky is always there, birds are singing, trees and flowers are blooming and who knows who, or what, you might encounter that shifts your stagnant thinking to brilliant ideas.

3. Deep breathing. When you focus on your breathing, you break the cycle of thought and are connected to the universal flow of life. Often we breathe from our chest and not from our bellies. This creates a lack of oxygen causing stress, mental fog, anxiety, sleeplessness, and negative thoughts. When you take a few moments and inhale and exhale deeply, you are increasing your oxygen levels which relaxes the mind and body. Try this simple breathing exercise. Breathe in slowly through your nose for the count of 5, hold your breath for five and breathe out through your mouth to the count of 6. Keep increasing the number until you get to 10 on inhalation and 11 on exhalation. Or, breathe in connection and healing and breathe out possibilities and peace, repeat 10 times.

4. Get away. You don't have to take a week or two week's vacation; you can go out for lunch or an evening or weekend away. It's important to leave the office or home routines behind and explore different places and things. When you are away from everyday schedules there is a sense of freedom and you open your eyes to what's surrounding you rather than what's in front of you.

5. Be creative. There are endless ways to be creative; the more creative you are, the more possibilities you'll encounter. Use different coloured pens when writing, or try painting, drawing, colouring, photography, singing, dancing, writing with your non-dominant hand, etc. Put suggestion boxes at home or in the office, and have others write something down that they think would improve things, or perhaps ideas of want they want to do. Often hearing other people's ideas generate new ways of doing things or things to do that you hadn't thought of.

6. Use visualization. Choose photographs that capture your ideas, dreams, hopes, thoughts and feelings. When you do this, you are shifting the energy and focus from problems to possibilities. If a picture says a thousand words, just think of what it might be saying to you.

7. Meditate. It doesn't matter how you meditate or for how long, what's important is you are getting out of your thoughts and connecting to God (or whatever feels right to you) and gaining insights, strengthening faith, and remembering what's truly important in life. Meditating promotes connection, creativity, inspiration, relaxation and peace. Making meditation part of your day benefits your mind, body and soul.

When you shift the way you do things, you are allowing inspiration to flow freely in your life. Inspiration transforms feelings of being stuck, stagnant, bored, overworked, depressed, anxious, and a lack of enthusiasm and energy.

Become inspired to make positive, creative changes. Open your eyes and heart to the potential within and surrounding you.

7 Steps to a Meaningful Life

Day to day busy schedules at the office and home can leave one feeling as if his/her life has lost meaning.

It's like life has become all work and no play. Deadlines, emails, paperwork, appointments, taking care of others, as well as housework and yard-work can leave you feeling overworked, stressed, overwhelmed, exhausted and even empty.

So how do we bring meaning back to our lives, if it was ever there to begin with?

1. Replenish yourself. Due to busy lifestyles at home and work, it's important to take time to replenish yourself.

It's vital to our well being to nurture and take care of ourselves physically, emotionally, and most importantly, spiritually so that we are not left feeling defeated and depleted, instead restoring and renewing a space of harmony.

2. Connect with friends. Since work and family come first, it can be challenging to find time to spend with friends.

It's important to make time to let your hair down and forget about all the work and enjoy some recreation time.

Whether it's going out to lunch, dinner, a show, the spa, having a BBQ, or playing golf, etc., what's important is you are out of the routines and enjoying time with your friends. Laughing, chatting, cheering, sharing and most importantly, enjoying camaraderie.

3. R & R. We need rest and relaxation from demanding days. It doesn't have to be a vacation per say, but taking some time to put your feet up, unwind, and de-stress.

When you do things from a space of relaxation rather than stress, you are more productive, more creative, calmer, and happier.

Even if you love your job and it doesn't feel like work it's still important to take time to rest.

4. Ask for help. This can be a tough one for many people. Asking for assistance sometimes feels as if you're needy, like you can't do it, that you're weak, or can't handle things.

Not wanting to ask can also be because of the expectation that a person "should" just help without you having to request it. The problem with this is if you don't ask, guess what? You probably aren't going to receive any assistance and are left feeling resentful or angry.

Delegating is not only productive, but beneficial. It leaves time for you to do what's of the utmost importance and is vital because it frees up time for you to take care of you.

5. Connect with nature. It's essential to connect with the pulse of nature.

Since the majority of our time is spent indoors, unless of course you have an outdoor job, (but then you are still working), you aren't reaping the benefits of expanding your inner energies with fresh air, sunshine, and the union with the natural world.

Listen to the birds, watch the animals, see and smell the flowers, soak up the warm rays of sunshine, breathe in the fresh air, and gaze at blue skies, float away with the clouds, get your feet wet in nearby lakes or oceans, hug a tree, or lay on a hammock or lawn chair.

These tranquil times revitalize the body, mind, and most importantly, spirit.

6. Meditate. When you meditate you are connecting to the silence within. You are moving away from thoughts and into a sacred space of union.

You are resting in God's hands, peacefully and fully. You are aware of the oneness, rather than the separateness.

In this breathing space there is complete freedom, purpose, love, support, joy and peace.

Often after meditating, even if only for a few minutes, you feel relaxed, creative, renewed, centered and balanced. It's as if harmony is restored once again.

7. Find something you love and do more of it.

Whether you love to play golf, going to the spa, yoga, exercising, painting, writing, reading, photography, etc. make time to do more of it.

It's important you spend time doing things you enjoy because it promotes a feeling of meaningfulness.

If you don't have any hobbies or interests explore different avenues. Remember, you never know unless you try; infact you might surprise yourself as to what you find enjoyable. The true meaning of life is to fill it with as much enjoyment, kindness, forgiveness, love, patience, and peace as possible.

When we look at problems as possibilities, we are allowing ourselves and others to grow, learn and expand exactly the way we are.

Challenging Times? 7 Steps to Finding Peace

When we are surrounded by peaceful scenery, or in places that promote tranquility, or things are running along smoothly in life it's quite easy to settle into a silent lucidity, isn't it?

But what about when you are faced with day to day challenges, illness, troubles at home, or work, are you able to find serenity even in those moments?

These very things that are testing our patience, faith, strength, courage and commitment are our greatest opportunities to grow and expand.

These trials are a way for us to open our hearts and souls to discovering inner peace.

So how do you find stillness in the midst of unsettling times?

1. Recognize the apparent challenge is an opportunity to raise your awareness to other possibilities as well as an expansion of who you truly are.

The possibility to respond rather than react, and the potential of acknowledging there are other options present for you to awaken.

2. Peace is a conscious choice.

Every time you are up against what seems uncomfortable, choose the comfort of peace.

Say, "I choose peace in this situation or show me the peace within".

In any moment inner harmony can be restored. All you have to do is let go of the need to change someone or the way things are and choose peace.

You never know what might unfold by doing so.

3. Acknowledge that the freedom from strife is always present.

Since old mindsets, limiting beliefs and stress can keep you focused on problems rather than possibilities, it's important to remember that peace is not outside of you, it's within.

You don't have to wait to enjoy peace; you can experience and reap the benefits whenever you choose.

4. Slow down.

Sometimes we are so focused on tasks at hand, busy schedules both at work and home that peace seems the furthest from our day.

Yet if you slow down, stop for just a moment in whatever you are doing, you will realize it's not that far away. In fact it's right there waiting for an invitation.

If you were to ask yourself which do prefer, peace or stress, your answer would be peace, of course.

By slowing down you are invoking the peace you are seeking.

5. Breathe.

Since breathing occurs without having to make it happen, we forget that it can be the way in to peace and the way out of stress.

Become aware, as often as possible during the day, of your breathing. Notice if it's shallow, anxious, or rushed.

Take a few minutes to breathe deeply from your stomach, not your chest.

Breathing deeply relaxes the mind and body immediately when focused upon.

A simple breathing exercise is: I breathe in connection, I breathe out peace, or I breathe in peace, I breathe out harmony.

Choose whatever words feel right for you and breathe consciously as much as possible.

6. Let it go.

Whatever is bothering, consuming, or stressing you, practice letting it go.

It can be as simple as saying or writing down, "I let (fill in the blank) go". It can be a feeling, a situation, having to have an answer, etc.

When you allow something to go, you are making space for something new to come in.

7. Remember you are connected to the greatest source of peace.

It doesn't matter what you refer to this source as, what's important is you are not separate from it. By making time to connect and listen, you are allowing peace and insights to expand.

It's easy to get caught up in our thoughts, tangled amidst our feelings, and exhausted by busy schedules, so it's no wonder we can't hear what gems are awaiting our stillness.

You don't have to wait until... before you are peaceful.

"Peace is everywhere when I am peaceful" Hajjar Gibran

Are You Asking For Feedback in Your Life?

Often people are afraid to ask for feedback from their partners, kids, co-workers, bosses, friends, and family because they are afraid of what they might say.

Don't worry, if you ask you have a choice of how you will interpret the comments. You can take them in as negative or positive. You can see them as criticism or constructive criticism.

You can let them empower you and explore new possibilities or you can allow them to take your power away and focus on the impossibilities.

Sometimes individuals don't see the importance of asking for comments and therefore miss out on the gems waiting to be discovered.

Let's say you ask your partner how you are doing on a scale of 1-10 on listening, supporting, loving, helping out, making time for each other and being romantic, what do you think their responses would be?

They might say you are a 5 on listening, 4 on supporting, 7 on being loving, 2 on helping out, 4 on making time for one another, and a 6 on being romantic.

Yikes...your response might be, "What, no 10's, how can that be? Only a two on helping out when I feel I am at least a 7, a 4 on making time together, but we were just away for a week, etc." You might think your partner's scales are off balance.

You're right. Their scales are off to what yours are. Neither one is right or wrong but is a wonderful opportunity to listen to what their views are and see how you can enhance, enrich, develop more of who you truly are.

Just imagine if once a week, at work and home, you had a brief meeting to receive feedback on what's working and what's not, on where you are on a scale of 1-10 and where they are.

Receiving input allows you to be a better person, more productive and creative, and filled with potential and possibilities.

It's not about the number on the scale. It's really about listening and checking in, becoming more aware of what's holding you back and where you are stopping the flow of giving and receiving, or discovering what's keeping you stuck, or stressed, frustrated, fearful, etc.

It allows you to shift, transform, grow, learn, expand, and most importantly, create harmony in your personal, professional and spiritual life.

Don't forget to ask yourself how you're doing in all areas of your life and how you can strengthen your overall well being.

Make time to listen to the whispers within; these insights are the greatest feedback you can receive because they are connected to the greatest source.

So what happens when you're listening, shifting and making changes and others aren't?

Are You Receiving Feedback in Your Life?

In my previous post I have talked about receiving feedback and the importance of doing so.

You have now mustered up the courage to ask and listen to the points of view from others on how you are doing and you're feeling pretty good about yourself.

You are beginning to shift and transform some of those old mindsets and patterns that were keeping you stuck from growing and expanding, as well as giving others feedback, and it seems like the only one who is doing any changing is you, now what?

Also, they may not be recognizing the changes you are making and you are left feeling like why "should" you be the only one trying to improve things.

Ah... those wonderful expectations. When you count on someone else changing because you have, or you've offered advice to them and they aren't taking it, or they aren't acknowledging your efforts, it can leave you feeling like "what's the point?"

Perhaps you might think that things weren't that bad in the first place and now you are trying to improve things and they don't seem to notice or care, or they aren't making an effort so, why should you?

Knock, knock, is anyone home? The point is not about them seeing your growth, or recognizing the things you are doing differently, or about what efforts they're making or not making, it's about you!

This is a wonderful opportunity knocking at your door to see how your ego is keeping you locked up from truly shining from the inside out.

The ego is the greatest trickster; it would like to keep you stuck in old ways like, "Hey look at what I'm doing", or "why should I make changes if you aren't?" Or you allow it to keep you trapped in resentments and from growing and expanding.

Receiving feedback pertains to you waking up from old patterns, mindsets, and ways of stunting your expansion in your personal and professional life, and to your authentic self.

Change begins within and it begins with you. The reason you are asking is for you to acknowledge what shifts can take place for you to learn and grow, not how someone else is or isn't.

When you make changes with no expectations of how others "should" respond to them, then you truly can appreciate that it's about your awakening and your eyes opening to the light within.

It's wonderful to have comments on how we're doing and the changes we're making, but if they don't comment, are you able to do that for yourself? Can you still appreciate and acknowledge them whether they are shifting or not?

As long as the belief remains that other people need to do things differently or respond in some way to your changes, then you wait in the dark behind ego's closed door and miss the prospects that are opening for you.

There is so much to be learned on where you are stuck and holding back and other people are the greatest asset to seeing this clearly.

Vernon Howard said, "Use every human relationship to wake up more". How true are these wonderful words of wisdom?

Whether you are receiving feedback from others or seeing what's being triggered in you from them, it's important to recognize it's always about your evolution as a spiritual being.

Limiting beliefs and behaviours block your creativity, love, joy, potential, promise and prosperity. Until you answer the knocks on the door, say hello and welcome them in, you stay stuck behind them.

It's not about how fast you change, or how far you get, or what the end results will be by making these shifts, it's truly about acknowledging, developing and strengthening your inner light so it can shine through brighter in all areas of your life.

Look to your partner, children, family members, friends, co-workers, bosses, associates, etc. as opportunities to learn more about developing your spiritual being, your God given skills, talents, light and love.

Don't take my word for it, receive feedback, listen, learn and expand so you can experience the potential and possibilities that can take place within you.

You never know what or whom, might develop from doing so.